Nigerian Military dismisses Boko Haram Threat as Empty

The Nigerian military has dismissed as empty the threats by Boko Haram terrorists to attack the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

The two new videos, one of which featured an obviously indoctrinated Chibok girl, were posted on social media by a Dubai-based journalist Ahmad Sakilda and Sahara Reporters. In one of the videos, a terrorist identified as Shuaibu Moni threatened to bomb Abuja, the Nigerian capital. the country. He also claimed there can be no peace but war between the group and Nigeria. He also said more than five Commanders from the terror group were released in exchange for the Chibok girls while also warning of imminent attack in Abuja. He said there has been no “sulhu” or dialogue with the government and there wont be saying “ only war is between us.”

But in a swift response, the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman said the terrorists have lost touch with current realities:

In the first clip, the terrorists among other things made boastful and spurious allegations, while the second clip was about alleged indoctrination of some of the abducted Chibok school girls in captivity. We wish to state that the terrorist has lost touch with current realities.

He also said the videos were designed and aimed at seeking relevance and attention:

As you are all aware, he was a direct beneficiary of the process that led to the release of 82 of the abducted girls and does not have a say or capacity to do anything, therefore his threats should be ignored.

The military also assured the public that the Nigerian Army is totally ”committed to the Federal Government’s determined efforts of rescuing all abducted persons and peace in the country.” Usman reiterates:

We will not relent our determined efforts of clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists as manifested through the ongoing clearance operations. The Nigerian Air Force is unrelenting in its bombardment while other security agencies are equally doing their best. We should not give in to terrorists propaganda and empty threats, we have come to a very critical stage of the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria that require more patriotism and security consciousness. Gone were the days when people glamourise terrorists and their criminal act.

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